For the first time ever, this foodie and family gal was determined to “dine out” this Thanksgiving.
You see, I knew November would be a busy travel month for my family and the thought of planning a menu, shopping, cooking, serving and doing the dishes was just too much. Instead, I decided we would find a good restaurant and let someone else do all the work. But that quickly changed once I started making some calls. Turns out there are really only two options in my neck of the woods: chain, diner-style eateries (not really what I was looking for) and mega-expensive upscale dining (we’re talking $80 per person for Thanksgiving BRUNCH!).
What I was hoping to find was something along the lines of what Bouquet Restaurant at Ponte Vineyard Inn is offering: a classic Thanksgiving menu served in a festive atmosphere for a very reasonable $28 per person. Here is Bouquet’s Thanksgiving menu:
- Apricot Glazed Turkey with Cranberry Orange Relish
- Sausage, Chestnut and Button Mushroom Stuffing
- Green Beans Almondine
- Roasted Butternut Squash with Toasted Marshmallow
- Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes
In the end, I made the decision to cook dinner at home. Now, I sit here with two days left until the holiday and all I have so far is a bird (not a turkey, by the way, but rather a Capon – Google it). In the next couple of days I’ve got to battle the grocery stores and think up my new plan of attack.
The wine, fortunately, is a no-brainer. On my recent trip to California I was able to try Ponte 2015 Torrontes. It was absolutely amazing, folks. So good, in fact, that I don’t think I’m offering a red at all. This one is too good to share the spotlight on Thanksgiving. It is highly fragrant, smelling like melon and citrus, and the flavor has a very pleasant floral note. It’s not too light or crisp, but rather heavy enough to handle all of the flavors and textures Thanksgiving has to offer.
Lessons learned: planning ahead is not overrated… and no more traveling the week before Thanksgiving.
Fortunately, Southern Californians who still want to eat out for the holiday can make reservations at Bouquet. Click here to reserve your spot.
Whether you’ll be at home or out, enjoy the holiday, friends! May your bellies be full of delicious food and wine, and your spirits be full of those things we are thankful for.
–Erica Martinez
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